Embraer has announced enhancements to its Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 business jets at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association's Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

Launched in 2008, the Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 entered the market in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The enhancements announced today include readiness for the Future Air Navigation System (FANS), as well as new internet connectivity and seating options.

“The Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 have revolutionised the midsize segments of business aviation by delivering incomparable value to customers,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “These enhancements are a direct reflection of our innovative DNA as we continue to move toward our vision of being the most desired brand in business aviation.”

In support of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen investments to modernise the National Aerospace System, Embraer is now offering customers of the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 FANS 1/A+ technology, which allows datalink communications between pilots and Air Traffic Control. This optional feature is available to Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 customers now in the fourth quarter of 2017 and can also be incorporated into the existing fleet.

An additional enhancement in communications for the Legacy 450 and 500 is Gogo’s latest air-to-ground connectivity system, the AVANCE L5, which allows Embraer customers to benefit from higher Internet speeds through access to 4G networks. The AVANCE L5 system delivers data rates of up to 9.8 Mbps for downlink, covering the Continental U.S. and portions of Alaska and Canada. In the first quarter of 2018, this option will become available to Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 customers.